Latest news with #FightBegging
Express Tribune
04-04-2025
- Express Tribune
Dubai police arrest 222 beggars during Ramadan, Eid crackdown
Listen to article Dubai police have arrested 222 beggars throughout Ramadan and the Eidul Fitr holidays as part of an ongoing crackdown on begging and related fraudulent activities, the authority announced on Friday. Colonel Ahmad Al Adidi, acting director of the Department of Suspects and Criminal Phenomena, revealed that 33 of those apprehended were caught specifically during the Eidul Fitr celebrations. These included involving children, people with disabilities, or fabricating medical conditions to gain sympathy. Several cases involved women begging with children, the authorities noted. In response to the issue, Dubai launched the "Fight Begging" campaign, partnering with various authorities including the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, Dubai Municipality, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD), and the Al Ameen Service. The campaign carries the slogan "An Aware Society, Free of Begging." Captain Abdullah Khamis, head of the Anti-Begging Section, explained that the initiative aims to not only combat begging but also raise awareness about its dangers and illegality, both on the streets and online. The campaign also targeted fraudulent fundraising efforts, such as fake appeals for foreign mosque construction and other fabricated humanitarian causes. Khamis urged the public to donate only through official charitable organisations to ensure their contributions reach those who genuinely need help. He also called on the community to report beggars via the Dubai Police smart app, using the 'Police Eye' feature, or through the E-Crime platform at In the UAE, begging is a criminal offense, punishable by a fine of Dh5,000 and up to three months in prison. Operating a begging gang or recruiting people from abroad to beg can result in a six-month jail term and a Dh100,000 fine. Raising funds without proper permits is subject to fines up to Dh500,000.
Khaleej Times
28-03-2025
- Khaleej Times
Abu Dhabi Police arrest 237 beggars during Ramadan
Abu Dhabi police have arrested 237 individuals during the month of Ramadan in a continued effort to combat begging and related fraudulent activities in the emirate, the authority announced on Friday. Major Muslim Mohammed Al-Amiri, Deputy Director of the Criminal Security Sector, stated that beggars are increasingly using deceptive stories to gain sympathy and solicit money from unsuspecting residents. In response, the police have launched continuous campaigns to arrest the beggars, regardless of the methods they use to manipulate and defraud the public. Al-Amiri urged the public to play an active role in reducing begging by refraining from giving alms and zakat directly to beggars. Instead, he emphasised the importance of donating through official channels, charities, and accredited organisations to ensure that contributions reach those who truly need them. He further highlighted that by giving money to beggars, well-meaning residents may unintentionally perpetuate the cycle of begging, which in turn encourages fraudulent activities disguised as acts of charity. The crackdown on begging is not limited to Abu Dhabi alone. Police across the UAE are stepping up their campaigns to combat begging. In Dubai, police arrested 127 beggars during the first half of Ramadan, seizing more than Dh50,000 in their possession. Sharjah Police also carried out a significant crackdown, arresting 107 individuals and seizing over Dh50,000 from them. The arrested individuals in Sharjah included 87 men and 20 women. Meanwhile, 51 beggars have been arrested in Ras Al Khaimah since the beginning of Ramadan. 'Fight begging' Earlier in March, Abu Dhabi Police issued a warning to the public about interacting with beggars during Ramadan, urging residents to donate only through official and approved channels. A 33-second awareness video shared on X by the Abu Dhabi Police highlighted the dangers of begging, emphasising that it is a phenomenon that poses serious risks to the security and safety of society. Earlier, Dubai Police too had warned of begging scams during the holy month. The "Fight Begging" campaign aims to raise awareness of the importance of preserving the country's civilised image by combating and preventing the crime of begging. Begging is a crime in the UAE punishable by a Dh5,000 fine and three-months imprisonment. Those found operating a gang of beggars or recruiting people from outside the country to seek alms face a six-month jail term and a Dh100,000 fine. Raising funds without a permit is punishable by Dh500,000 fines.
Arab Times
22-03-2025
- Arab Times
Dubai Police Arrest 127 Beggars, Seize Over Dh50,000 During Ramadan Crackdown
DUBAI, March 22: The "Fight Begging" campaign, launched to combat this issue, aims to raise awareness about the importance of preserving the nation's civilized image by addressing and preventing the crime of begging. Colonel Ahmed Al Adidi, Deputy Director of the Suspects and Criminal Phenomena Department emphasized that the anti-begging campaign has contributed to a consistent annual reduction in the number of beggars, thanks to the stringent and decisive measures implemented by authorities. Colonel Al Adidi explained that Dubai Police, in collaboration with its partners, develops a comprehensive security plan each year to tackle begging. This includes increasing patrols in areas where beggars are likely to be present. He highlighted that begging not only threatens societal security but also tarnishes the country's image and undermines its civilized appearance. Furthermore, he noted that begging is often linked to other criminal activities, such as theft, pickpocketing, and the exploitation of vulnerable groups, including children, the sick, and people of determination, for illicit financial gain. Authorities urged individuals seeking financial assistance to approach official entities, organizations, and registered charitable associations, which are equipped to provide support in a structured and lawful manner. Dubai Police also called on the public to help reduce the prevalence of begging by directing their charitable contributions to legitimate charitable organizations. This ensures that donations reach those truly in need, rather than fueling criminal activities carried out under the guise of begging. Captain Abdullah Khamis, Head of the Anti-Begging Section, advised the public not to respond to beggars' appeals or be swayed by their appearance, no matter how pitiful it may seem. Instead, he encouraged citizens to assist law enforcement by promptly reporting any instances of begging through the Dubai Police call center (901), the "Police Eye" service on the Dubai Police smart app, or the E-Crime platform. This collective effort, he stressed, is essential in curbing the spread of begging-related crimes and maintaining the integrity of the community.
Gulf Today
21-03-2025
- Gulf Today
Dubai Police arrest 127 beggars with Dhs50,000
Dubai Police, in collaboration with police stations, arrested 127 beggars during the first half of Ramadan, in possession of over Dhs50,000 in cash. This was part of the "Fight Begging" campaign launched by the Dubai Police General Command in cooperation with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, Dubai Municipality, and the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai. Colonel Ahmed Al Adidi, Deputy Director of the Department of Suspects and Criminal Phenomena, emphasised that the campaign contributes to reducing the number of beggars annually as Dubai Police implement a comprehensive security plan to combat begging in collaboration with partners by intensifying patrols in areas where beggars are likely to be present. Al Adidi noted that begging is often linked to other crimes such as theft, pickpocketing, and the exploitation of children, patients, and people of determination for illegal gains. He highlighted that there are official entities, organisations, and charitable associations where individuals can seek financial assistance or support, such as meals for fasting individuals. Captain Abdullah Khamis, head of the anti-begging section, urged the public not to respond to beggars' pleas or show sympathy toward them. He encouraged immediate reporting of any beggar sightings to the contact centre (901) or through the "Police Eye" service available on the Dubai Police smart app. Reports can also be submitted via the (E-Crime) platform, which handles public complaints related to cybercrimes, accessible at
Khaleej Times
21-03-2025
- Khaleej Times
Dubai Police arrest 127 beggars, seize over Dh50,000 in first half of Ramadan
Dubai Police arrested 127 beggars during the first half of Ramadan, seizing more than Dh50,000 in their possession. The "Fight Begging" campaign aims to raise awareness of the importance of preserving the country's civilised image by combating and preventing the crime of begging. The anti-begging campaign contributes to reducing the number of beggars annually, due to the strict and decisive measures taken, Colonel Ahmed Al Adidi, Deputy Director of the Suspects and Criminal Phenomena Department, stressed. Dubai Police annually develops an integrated security plan to combat begging in cooperation with partners, by intensifying patrols in areas where beggars are expected to be present, Colonel Ahmed Al Adidi said. He pointed out that the phenomenon of begging threatens the security of society, harms the image of the country, and distorts its civilised appearance. The problem of begging is linked to other crimes such as theft, pickpocketing, and the exploitation of children, the sick, and people of determination in begging to achieve illicit gains, he added. To request financial assistance, individuals can turn to official bodies, organisations, and charitable associations, authorities stressed. Dubai Police called on members of society to contribute in reducing the phenomenon of begging by donating their charity money to charitable organisations and associations, to ensure that it reaches those who deserve it among the poor and needy, and not to be a cause of the spread of crimes committed by beggars under the guise of begging. Do not respond to beggars' solicitations, or treat them with pity and compassion due to their appearance, Captain Abdullah Khamis, Head of the Anti-Begging Section, said. He asked the public to assist the police by immediately reporting any beggar spotted anywhere to the call centre (901) or through the "Police Eye" service available on the Dubai Police smart application, in addition to the E-Crime website.
